Definition Module

The Definition module is used by the system designer to construct the IGSS configuration, creating the process diagram of the plant as well as the objects and object logic of the monitoring process. The built-in tools and functionality of the Definition module enable the system designer to create an entire SCADA system without using external tools or programming functionality.

The list below shows you some of the most exciting and powerful features of the program, but is by no means exhaustive.

The Design Module enables the system designer to...

Build a model of the monitored process by using process diagrams

Create and configure individual process components, called objects in IGSS

Connect IGSS to the physical process components by specifying their PLC addresses

Specify relationships between different types of process components

Create templates for quick creation of identical process components

Create moving displays and symbols for the process components using ActiveX technology.

Create and specify alarms for the individual process components

Customize and configure the menus, toolbars and function keys of the process diagrams to conform to operator and system specifications.

Transfer configuration elements to other configurations through the Import/Export functionality

Create and customize graphs to enable a graphical overview of the process.

Create and customize reports for process status reporting

Embed programming logic in the process components using the built-in Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) editor.

Create embedded graphs, alarms and sub-diagrams in the main process diagram.

Define parameters for Time or Event-controlled PLC communication, defining the scan-intervals (Time) or scan conditions (Event) for PLC communication

The Design module contains many additional features, the most important of which are described on separate pages on our Web site.

About IGSS objects in the Definition Module

IGSS is based on Object-oriented technology and the Definition module uses objects to represent process components in the process diagram. IGSS objects are divided into types, such as digital and analog object types. A process component is created as an IGSS object which includes all properties relating to the physical component.

This means one object may contain up to eight I/O points or data tags. As an example, an analog object can include the following properties: High Alarm, High Limit, Current Value, Set Point, Low Limit, Low Alarm, Alarm-In and Alarm-Out.